IAS Officer Salary

Usually the first query we have regarding any job is the salary offered. This is no different for the Indian Administrative Services Officer (IAS)—arguably one of the most prestigious careers to pursue in India. Fortunately, after implementation of the 6th Pay Commission, the IAS salary has increased significantly and now, along with the prestige and perks, a third “P” is added: pay.

After all, once you clear the all-important IAS exam, you definitely deserve a handsome remuneration that is keeping with your social standing and the importance of your work to the society at large.

Read on to learn about the salary of an IAS Officer.

IAS Pay Scales

The IAS salary structure consists of four pay scales:

The junior scale.

Senior scales.

Super time scale.

The above super time scale.

Each of these pay scales further consist of different pay bands.

Junior Scale

Pay band: Rs 15600-39100 Grade Pay Rs 5400

Once you start out as a new IAS recruit, this is what your salary will be. The pay mentioned here is just the basic pay. You can add the relevant HRA, DA, and other allowances to get a more thorough picture of the IAS renumeration. Usually, IAS officers get very comfortable official accommodation for which they have to pay only a token rent. Imagine living in 5-6 bedroom house with gardens and paying just 500-600 rent!

Also, as an IAS officer, you will get official vehicles to use. This saves on transportation costs. The seemingly small basic IAS salary doesn’t look so small after all, does it?

Senior Scales

Senior Time Scale| Pay band: Rs 15600-39100 Grade Pay Rs 6600. An IAS Officer is promoted to the Senior Time Scale usually after 7-9 years of service.

Junior Administrative Grade| Pay band: Rs 15600-39100 Grade Pay Rs 7600. At this level you’re generally a Deputy Secretary in the State Secretariat or the Municipal Commissioner in the field.

Selection Grade| Pay band: Rs 37400-67000 Grade Pay Rs 8700. As a Selection Grade IAS Officer you will be the Joint Secretary in the State Government or a Deputy Secretary in the Central Government. As the Joint Secretary you might be given independent charge of some wing in a department.

Super Time Scale

Pay band: Rs 37400-67000 Grade Pay Rs 10000

The Super Time Scale is one of awe and power. At this level of the IAS hierarchy, you will likely be the Secretary of some state government department or you could be posted at the Centre in the position of Joint Secretary. To give you some reference: it takes about 20 years to reach the Super Time Scale and to become eligible for the above IAS salary.

Above Super Time Scale

Pay bands: There are three pay bands in this scale.

Rs 37400-67000. Grade Pay of Rs 12000.

The Apex Pay Scale of Rs 80000 (fixed). No Grade Pay.

Cabinet Secretary Grade of Rs 90000 (fixed). No Grade Pay.

Not all IAS officers are fortunate enough to enjoy this pay scale. The IAS officers in the Super Time Scale include Senior Secretaries, Chief Secretaries, Secretaries in the Central Government, and the Cabinet Secretary—the highest position an IAS officer can aspire for in life.

Perks, Benefits, and Facilities Enjoyed by IAS Officers

What are the non-monetary perks of being an IAS?

Rent-free accommodation. Or accommodation at very low rent. Yes if you are the Collector in some district you will have a king-sized house to live in with gardens, house helps, maybe even fountains and more. You will enjoy all of these at very low rent of about Rs 1500-2000.

Vehicles for official and personal use. Strictly speaking, you cannot use official vehicles for personal use, but this rule is hardly observed by any IAS officer. Most of them use their official vehicles for personal use as well. After all, there’s no harm in going to the market or to your friend’s place in your official car.

Free electricity. What’s the electricity rate in your area? It’s 5 Rs per unit in Delhi. Imagine living in a huge house with tens of electrical appliances and light bulbs running but having to pay nothing for electric bills. IAS officers enjoy this facility as well.

Perks of PSUs. IAS officers looking after the affairs of public sector companies enjoy all the benefits that regular PSU employees are entitled to in addition to benefits meant for IAS officers only.

A Note About the IAS Salary

Direct comparisons between the IAS salaries and compensation offered in the Private sector shouldn’t be made. IAS officers receive many perks, facilities, and other benefits that are hard to quantify. For instance, as stated above, IAS officers receive rent-free accommodation or accommodation with only a token rent, official vehicle, house help, free electricity, and other such facilities that drain the pockets of private executives.

Also, as an IAS officer, if you are heading a PSU of some sort, then you are entitled to the same benefits as other employees of the PSU. This is an additional bonus of the IAS.

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